This updated, second edition provides readers with an expanded treatment of the FEM as well as new information on recent trends in rapid prototyping technology. The new edition features more descriptions, exercises, and questions within each chapter. In addition, more in-depth surface theory has been introduced in section four, with particular emphasis in surface theory. Promising cutting edge technologies in the area of rapid prototyping are introduced in section seven, MATLAB-based FEM analysis has been added in section eight, and development of the plan stress and plane strain stiffness equations are introduced as a new chapter. Revised and updated based on student feedback, Solid Modeling and Applications: Rapid Prototyping, CAD and CAE Theory is ideal for university students in various engineering disciplines as well as design engineers involved in product design, analysis, and validation. It equips them with an understanding of the theory and essentials and also with practical skills needed to apply this understanding in real world design and manufacturing settings.

This book contains the papers presented at the international research sympo sium "Solid Modeling by Computers: From Theory to Applications," held at the General Motors Research Laboratories on September 25-27, 1983. This was the 28th syposium in aseries which the Research Laboratories began sponsor ing in 1957. Each symposium has focused on a topic that is both under active study at the Research Laboratories and is also of interest to the larger technical community. Solid modeling is still a very young research area, young even when com pared with other computer-related research fields. Ten years ago, few people recognized the importance of being able to create complete and unambiguous computer models of mechanical parts. Today there is wide recognition that computer representations of solids are aprerequisite for the automation of many engineering analyses and manufacturing applications. In September 1983, the time was ripe for a symposium on this subject. Re search had already demonstrated the efficacy of solid modeling as a tool in computer automated design and manufacturing, and there were significant re suIts wh ich could be presented at the symposium. Yet the field was still young enough that we could bring together theorists in solid modeling and practition ers applying solid modeling to other research areas in a group sm all enough to allow a stimulating exchange of ideas.

Solid Modelling and CAD Systems gives users an insight into the methods and problems associated with CAD systems. It acts as a bridge between users who learn interfaces without understanding how they work and developers who create systems without understanding the needs of the users. The main feature of Solid Modelling and CAD Systems is a logical analysis of the techniques and basic solid modelling methods used in modern CAD systems. The book goes on to describe, among other subjects: two-dimensional shape definition methods, the command interface and graphics, databases and data exchange, early-phase design, and command files and command structures. Reading Solid Modelling and CAD Systems will help users understand the limitations of the techniques they are using and will enable practitioners to use CAD systems more efficiently. It is a valuable tool for designers, as well as for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students. The exercises it contains allow readers to try out different aspects of the subject matter and the book also includes projects that can be used for teaching purposes.